Messy problems and messy solutions: Ways of Being when engaging with Wicked Problems.

Scott, Warren Duncan (2024) Messy problems and messy solutions: Ways of Being when engaging with Wicked Problems. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Considerable research has been carried out on the growing occurrence of Wicked Problems. The literature predominantly has a focus on understanding and defining the nature of Wicked Problems, but there are gaps concerning what abilities, skills, and mindsets, named here as Ways of Being, are required by leaders when engaging with such problems. The nature of Wicked Problems involves an increased amount of complexity and interrelatedness, and as such, calls on new Ways of Being for leaders and managers.

Drawn from sixteen interviews with leaders in care and healthcare environments with a range of seniority and experiences, this research offers new insights into Ways of Being which are brought to bear when engaging with Wicked Problems.

This research utilises Lewin’s Field Theory (Lewin, 1952) as a lens to understand Wicked Problems, especially showing that the field in which a Wicked Problem exists, is in a constant state of movement and any attempt to define the problem as static and isolated will not offer a true representation of its complexity. Further, this highlights the importance of leaders appreciating and considering the relationship between the ever-changing constellation of interrelating factors and the Wicked Problem itself.

It demonstrates how the framing process for individuals, groups, and organisations, influences and changes how the Wicked Problem is addressed, plus how context and field awareness allow for more choice when informing leaders how and where to intervene.
In the absence of a known solution, leaders are drawn to experimenting as a way forward. This requires a specific set of abilities and mindset, including the ability to effectively manage risk, work with others, including stakeholders, by effective influencing and sense-giving.

Although the uniqueness of each Wicked Problem requires an equally unique approach to intervening, this thesis discusses and highlights that there are four Ways of Being that leaders need to consider:

Ways of perceiving, Ways of engaging, Ways of interacting, Ways of feeling.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Norwich Business School
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	11 Jul 2024 08:59
Last Modified:	11 Jul 2024 08:59
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/95862
DOI:

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